At an impressively young age, John Fryer already had his name on the sleeve… Read Full Bio ↴At an impressively young age, John Fryer already had his name on the sleeves of some of the most influential records of the past 30 years by artists like Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, Fad Gadget, and solo projects by Wire members Graham Lewis and Bruce Gilbert. Then, in 1984, he found himself one of just two constant members of the legendary 4AD collective This Mortal Coil, whose “Song To The Siren” has been described by David Lynch as being “high on my list of all time most beautiful songs” (the director tried for years to get it into one of his films and finally succeeded with 1997′s Lost Highway).

It was in those days, working out of Blackwing Studios, South London, recording and producing other people’s songs, that John began following the noise in his own head. While working on albums that are now considered to be genre- and era-defining recordings, he started formulating his own project. Ideas expanded and multiplied until they spilled out from between the seams in his head, though it would take years for him to bring them fully to life.

Over the years, as John moved from project to project, he carried these songs with him. While putting his indelible signature on This Mortal Coil’s records (and nearly every other seminal 4AD records release, as well), Nine Inch Nails’ “Pretty Hate Machine”, the biggest albums from Jesus Jones and Love & Rockets, Cradle of Filth and HIM’s “Razorblade Romance”, he was also perfecting the sonically powerful arrangements of his own tracks. Then, in 2010, he at last found the final element he needed.

John had always imagined finding a female vocalist for these songs, but not just anyone. Having worked with Cocteau Twin Elizabeth Fraser, Sarah McLachlan, Kristin Hersh, Jarboe, Diamanda Galas, and Allison Moyet (to name but a few), he had extremely high standards. Her voice had to be ethereal and delicate but it also had to be emotive, powerful, and heartbreaking. After announcing on Facebook that he was looking for a singer, John almost instantly connected with Rebecca Coseboom who, strangely enough, he had also heard about from an old friend of his wife, Hanna. The triangle of fate was sealed.

It had to be Rebecca – from San Francisco band Stripmall Architecture – who had spent many years and hours listening to much of John’s catalogue. She has been called “a female front woman with an incredible voice” (CMJ). The Stranger in Seattle said “her voice flutters around your head like a silky scarf and the whole is like a sonic manifestation of a romantic swoon…”. Shortly after their online meeting, they began sending emails and files back and forth between Oslo, Norway and San Francisco, USA. In late 2010, the two holed up in the studio to finally add vocals to the tracks that John had been refining for years. What resulted is the first DarkDriveClinic album, “Noise In My Head,” to be released in Summer 2011.

Don't Give Up On Me
DarkDriveClinic Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't care if you like it, I know I'm right
I don't care if you want to, I know what it's like
I'm putting it on paper, refer to it later
Request denied

My discovery is trouble far beyond belief
And although I try, I find I'm saying "sorry" all the time.
I hope you're not giving up on me

You only think you want it, It goes with time
You only think you need it, the feeling fades
Hands in the open, back away slowly
Just walk away

I hope you're not giving up on me

We're searching for sparks in the dark
Our story is yet to be told

Overall Meaning

In DarkDriveClinic's song "Don't Give Up On Me," the singer is asserting their confidence and conviction despite any doubt or opposition from others. They acknowledge that they may encounter trouble or make mistakes, causing them to apologize frequently, but they hope that their loved one won't give up on them. The singer advises their loved one to not chase after fleeting desires as they only have temporary fulfillment and to walk away from harmful situations. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer and their loved one searching for meaning and significance in their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't care if you like it, I know I'm right
It doesn't bother me if you disagree because I am certain that I am correct

I don't care if you want to, I know what it's like
Your desire or lack thereof doesn't impact my decision-making since I understand the circumstances

I'm putting it on paper, refer to it later
I'm documenting my thoughts and actions for future reference

Request denied
Your request has been declined

My discovery is trouble far beyond belief
The realization I've made is incredibly problematic

And although I try, I find I'm saying "sorry" all the time.
Even though I attempt to rectify the situation, I still apologize persistently

I hope you're not giving up on me
I desire that you haven't lost faith in me

You only think you want it, It goes with time
What you believe you want will eventually dissipate with the passage of time

You only think you need it, the feeling fades
The impression of necessity will eventually diminish

Hands in the open, back away slowly
Show your hands and retreat at a slow pace

Just walk away
Depart from this situation